Does Cold Weather Improve Testosterone? Facts & Myths

In the past few years, there have been several reports highlighting the sharp decline in men’s testosterone levels due to the rise in chronic illnesses or unhealthy lifestyle habits. However, there is a group of people who consider that during colder months, this level improves. With reports claiming libido increases during winters, the bulk of information available on the internet is raising confusion about whether this also means cold weather gives a shot to testosterone levels.

To understand the impact of cold temperatures on testosterone levels and debunk the most common myths, the editorial team of Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr Ajit Gujela, Consultant Urologist, KIMS Hospitals Thane, who also has expertise in Andrology. Read ahead for clarity on the science.

What Is Testosterone

Testosterone is the major sex hormone in males, and with the sedentary lifestyle, pollution and rise in chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity, testosterone deficiency has become a common concern among men.

According to a report from the Cleveland Clinic, testosterone is a hormone that your gonads (sex organs) mainly produce. More specifically, both testicles and ovaries produce testosterone. The report also claimed that testosterone is the main androgen, stimulating the development of male characteristics.

Speaking about the same, Dr Ajit Gujela explained, “Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in men, influencing everything from strength and energy to mood, sexual health, and general well-being.”

“While it is mostly produced by the testes through the regulating pathways of the brain on hormonal function, natural levels of testosterone vary in the course of a day and drop gradually over a lifetime,” Dr Gujela stated.

Myths And Facts About Cold Weather and Testosterone Levels

Although healthy testosterone levels may be attained through several lifestyle factors, such as taking quality sleep, reducing stress levels, consuming healthy food, and exercise, the general feeling among people appears to be that cold weather or cold exposure can give drastic boosts to testosterone levels. Dr Gujela underlined that in reality, most such notions are myths rather than medical facts. He further debunks a few myths, sharing the science-backed factual information:

Also Read: Why Libido Increases in Winter: Science Behind It

Myth 1: Cold Environments Boost Testosterone Production.

Fact: Dr Gujela shared that there is no scientific evidence that describes how testosterone levels rise just by being in cold weather. The testes operate best at a slightly cooler temperature than the rest of the body, but the scrotum naturally self-adjusts to maintain this temperature, and seasonal cold does not make much impact on hormone production.

Myth 2: Cold Showers Increase Testosterone For Extended Periods.

Fact: Dr Gujela mentioned that cold showers increase alertness and can activate the nervous system, but they do not create any meaningful or long-standing rise in testosterone levels. The hormonal changes accompanying a drop in temperature are transient and not strong enough to influence the overall testosterone health of men.

Myth 3: Winter Is The Optimal Temperature For Higher Testosterone Levels.

Fact: It is often assumed that the winter season will naturally support better testicular function. Actually, there is quite an active process for regulating scrotal temperature at all times, irrespective of the season. Winter does help improve the intimacy in couples, but it does not necessarily equate to higher testosterone output.

Myth 4: Men In Colder Climates Have More Testosterone.

Fact: Dr Gujela clarifies that studies do not show consistent differences in levels of testosterone according to climate. Such factors as sleep, diet, metabolic health, body weight, and stress have a far greater impact on hormone balance compared with ambient temperature.

Also Read: What is Cleidocranial Dysplasia? The Rare Genetic Disorder That Stranger Things' Dustin Suffers From 

Myth 5: Sleeping In A Cold Room Boosts Testosterone.

Fact: While quality sleep is needed to make hormones, the room temperature in and of itself has little to do with bringing up testosterone. Whether it is a bit cool or warm in the room is less important than getting restorative, uninterrupted sleep.

Myth 6: Cold Raises Libido, Meaning Testosterone Is Higher In Winter.

Fact: Any increase in libido during winter could be due to mood, comfort, or other psychological factors, but not because of rising testosterone levels, Dr Gujela emphasised. Libido and testosterone are related, but outdoor temperature does not drive any severe hormonal changes.

Bottomline

As shared by Dr Gujela, cold weather, cold showers or icy baths, or sleeping in a chilly room have no bearing on increasing testosterone levels. He suggested that rather than relying on temperature, one should concentrate on the following proven lifestyle habits that involve exercise, a good sleeping schedule, proper nutrition, management of stress, and maintenance of body weight within the normal range for long-term hormonal health.